Critics say they fear new parking plans for Barking and Dagenham are just a way for the council to make money.
The Labour-run council has put forward proposals to review parking policy across the borough to try to tackle increased demand for spaces caused by a growing population.
If the review is given the go-ahead it could result in more areas where drivers have to pay to park, increased fees for higher-emission vehicles, and more electric vehicle charging points.
A spokesperson for the Labour council said: “The proposed parking strategy has been developed in response to growing demand for parking across the borough, driven by population growth, new housing development and increasing pressure on kerbside space.”
But political opponents have raised concerns about the scheme.
Councillor Ben Suter, leader of opposition party Reform UK, said: “The council are using this purely to make money off the back of hardworking people. And if you can’t afford a new car and you are driving a car which emits more, you will be charged more, which will punish the poorest in our society.”
His views were echoed by some users of a local community Facebook page.
Gwynn McDermott, commenting on “Barking and Dagenham Community” posted: “It’s simply a money-making scheme for this uncaring council, and causes so many problems. It’s the reason I’m leaving Dagenham after almost 70 years”
On the same site, Marilyn Wyatt said the policy could hurt people who already have financial difficulties.
She wrote: “For some who are already struggling to make ends meet it’s an additional cost for a vehicle that they need for work, and to take the kids to their out of school activities.”
Labour says environmental and health concerns are also at the heart of the strategy, arguing higher parking charges will discourage excessive usage of cars, reduce air pollution and encourage residents to exercise more.
But the Green Party, which has seven seats in the council, says it needs proof that expanded Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) will improve air quality.
Green councillor Moin Quadri said: “If there is proof that it is not a cash cow, we will support it.”
Three quarters of Barking and Dagenham is already covered by CPZs, and some local businesses fear a further expansion could discourage people from stopping and spending money in the area.
Andrei Gugiuman, who owns Gugiuman’s Café near Chadwell Heath, had his street turned into a CPZ around six weeks ago.
He said: “Overnight, everything collapsed, everything changed. I could see a small decrease in customers within days, because parking is a convenience for a coffee shop.”
Labour insists any decisions to change current parking measures will be made in consultation with residents and businesses.
If the proposal gets the go-ahead in a full council vote, the aim is for all approved changes to be in place by the end of 2028.
Feature Image Credit: Adrian Cable / Barking Town Hall / CC BY-SA 2.0
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